History of Anaesthesia in Ghana (3): Anaesthetic Techniques, Care of the Critically Ill, Extension of Anaesthetic Services and International Collaboration

Abstract

This is the third instalment in the series on HISTORY OF ANAESTHESIA IN GHANA. The first instalment was on Human Resource
Development in Anaesthesia.The second was on Developmentof Equipment, Consumables and Anaesthetic Drugs. The history of medicine in Ghana has been documented but there has not been any documentation of the history of anaesthesia in the country.
Anaesthesia in Ghana has seen a number of changes in the last fifty to sixty years. These changes have been seen especially in the areas of anaesthetic drugs, anaesthetic techniques, the training of anaesthetic manpower and introduction of intensive care facilities.
There has been an introduction of new and modern anaesthetic machines and monitors which were completely absent some decades ago. This article seeks to highlight some of the major changes that have taken place in the specialty. The challenges facing the specialty in terms of the supply of consumables, the lack of maintenance of equipment and the low numbers of enrolment into the specialty by physicians are discussed. The role of international collaborations and the setting up of new specialised units like the National Cardio-thoracic Centre are also mentioned in this article.